Thirsty? This peppermint, pineapple smoothie is here to save the day. It is refreshing, hydrating, anti-inflammatory, delicious, and unique; what more could you ask for in a smoothie? A few years back, I had just transitioned into a vegetarian diet, and was learning more and more about the healing power of food, I was over at a friend’s house drinking (hey life’s about balance right?) and she made this awesome smoothie for me.

Now, I love this concoction even more now thanks to it’s health benefits:

Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Coconut water contains natural electrolytes, (put down those sports drinks) which makes this smoothie ideal for hydrating and replenishing.

Peppermint is great for digestion, and the smell is energizing and invigorating; perfect before a workout.

At first, I was a little skeptical about the flavor combination, as this recipe calls for pineapple, fresh peppermint, ginger, and coconut water, but since I like all the ingredients on their own, I figured it could be okay. But alas, it was better than okay, this smoothie is amazing, and it is now my go-to drink before or after a vigorous workout, or when I need some extra hydration for hot yoga.

Luckily this year, my organic peppermint plants have been growing beautifully in my garden, and I plucked a few leaves from them to make this smoothie. I have tried growing peppermint for two years now and I have learned that peppermint grows best outside, and the smell is amazing at deterring various garden visitors, namely the woodchuck who lives in a whole next to my garden. Last year, my indoor peppermint plant died, due to over-watering I think, and I was heartbroken, as peppermint is one of my very favorite things. I love all things mint, especially mint chocolate chip ice cream, and mojitos.

This year, I tried again, and bought two plants, and they developed bugs and shriveled up. I put the plants outside in “plant quarantine” because I didn’t want the bugs to spread to my indoor plants, and left them for dead. I decided I should stop growing peppermint because I keep killing it, but then, the most amazing thing happened, the plants came back to life! So I planted them, in my garden, and they have grown to triple their size or more. I almost gave up on growing peppermint, but peppermint seems to thrive outdoors, and once it gets going, it grows like a weed. I am calling this year’s peppermint my miracle plant, and I couldn’t be happier about all the fresh, organic mint I now have. At this point, I have more than enough, and I will have to figure out something to do with it. Chutney anyone?

If you need any more inspiration, or reasons to grow your own peppermint, here you go:

But in the meantime, I will be making lots of peppermint pineapple smoothies, and I think you should try them out too!

What is your best use for peppermint? I need some tips on how to use all this fresh peppermint up!

